Drone cameras are grounded in Sweden

Drone cameras have effectively had their wings clipped in the country as the devices have fallen foul of surveillance laws, with a high court slapping an outright ban on drone filming in the country – with the exception of special permits and law enforcement agencies.

The court ruling stated that: “The [drone] camera can be used for personal monitoring, although it is not the purpose. The camera is therefore to be regarded as a surveillance camera.”

Unhappy with the court’s decision, drone industry group UAS commented: “UAS Sweden held a board meeting and has established a plan to try to force policymakers at all levels to realise how this bad ruling strikes against an entire industry that employs thousands of people and features companies with billions in turnover.” Indeed, the ruling will make the use of drones illegal in nature photography, racing, weddings and journalism.

Pro-drone arguments state that there are no laws against capturing images in public spaces in Sweden i.e. you could legally attach a camera to your bicycle or car – so what’s the difference with a drone. However, the Supreme Administrative Court stated that car and bicycle cameras would go where the owner goes, but as drones are remotely operated, this means they are capable of spying on things that are otherwise out of sight of their pilot – and therefore contravene surveillance laws.

While other countries like the US have strict regulations governing drone use, Sweden is the first country to issue a blanket ban on drone cameras.